SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a popular 3-day adventure that takes hikers through some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. This guided trek includes comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and transportation, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. With options for additional activities like Huayna Picchu and hot springs, the trek offers a flexible and immersive experience for those seeking to explore the rich culture and breathtaking scenery of Peru. But what makes this trek truly remarkable is the journey itself, as hikers traverse through a diverse range of environments, each with its own unique charm and challenges.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Urubamba.

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 3-day trek that costs €432.75 per person and includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and entrance tickets.
• The trek covers a total distance of 49 km, starting with an early 2:30 am pickup from Cusco and ending with a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day.
• Day 1 involves a 22 km hike with a 3-hour descent to the Collpapampa campsite, while Day 2 features a 5.5-hour jungle walk to Aguas Calientes.
• Overnight accommodations include 2 nights in domes and 1 night in a hotel, with most meals provided during the trek.
• Optional add-ons include visits to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as well as rentals for duffel bags, sleeping bags, and trekking sticks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 3-day adventure that costs €432.75 per person.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, there’s a reserve now & pay later option available to keep travel plans flexible.

The trek covers beautiful valleys, coffee plantations, and medicinal plants, culminating in a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.

Accommodations, meals, transportation, and entrance tickets are all included in the price. Hikers can also rent sleeping bags and trekking sticks for an additional fee.

Optional add-ons like visiting Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available for those seeking extra adventure.

Trek Details and Itinerary

The trek begins with an early 2:30 am pickup in Cusco, followed by a 4-hour drive to Soraypampa at an elevation of 3,900 meters (12,795 feet).

Hikers will then traverse beautiful valleys, break for lunch, and descend for 3 hours to reach the Collpapampa camp where they’ll overnight in comfortable domes.

On day two, the group will walk for 5.5 hours through jungle and cloud forest, discovering coffee plantations and medicinal plants before reaching Lucmabamba for lunch.

After lunch, they’ll transfer to Hidroeléctrica and walk 3 hours to Aguas Calientes, where they’ll spend the night in a hotel.

The final day features an early morning visit and guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Day 1: Soraypampa to Collpapampa

The day begins with an early 2:30 am pickup in Cusco, followed by a 4-hour drive to the starting point of the trek at Soraypampa, situated at an elevation of 3,900 meters (12,795 feet).

Trekkers will hike through beautiful valleys, enjoying a lunch break before a 3-hour descent to the Collpapampa campsite.

The total distance covered on the first day is 22 km (13.5 miles). Comfortable domes await the adventurers for an overnight stay, as they prepare for the next stage of their Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Day 2: Collpapampa to Aguas Calientes

Adventurers’ day begins with breakfast at 6:00 am, followed by a 5.5-hour walk through lush jungle and cloud forest.

Along the way, they discover coffee plantations and medicinal plants.

After lunch in Lucmabamba, they’re transported to Hidroeléctrica, then embark on a 3-hour walk to Aguas Calientes, where they’ll stay in a hotel for the night.

The total walking distance is 16 km before lunch and 11 km after.

Trekkers can look forward to scenic vistas and seeing the region’s natural wonders as they make their way to the famous Machu Picchu site.

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Day 3: Machu Picchu and Return

After an early morning start, adventurers visit Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the iconic citadel.

They’ll have free time to explore and photograph the stunning ruins at their own pace.

At 2:55 pm, the group takes the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to Cusco.

The trip includes transportation, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay hike, as well as accommodation and most meals.

Optional add-ons like visiting Huayna Picchu or the hot springs are available for an additional fee.

With its beautiful scenery, culture, and bucket-list destination, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a truly unforgettable 3-day adventure.

Included in the Package

For the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the package includes accommodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary. Transportation, such as the train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, is also provided. The package features an English/Spanish-speaking guide and includes the necessary entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay hike.

Inclusions	Details
Accommodation	2 nights in domes, 1 night in hotel
Meals	3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Transportation	Train, transfers
Guide	Professional, English/Spanish-speaking
Entrance Tickets	Machu Picchu, Salkantay hike

Additional Options and Rentals

Along With the included amenities, trekkers can rent duffel bags, sleeping bags, and trekking sticks to make their Salkantay adventure more comfortable.

The tour provider offers duffel bags for personal items up to 5 kg per person. Sleeping bags are available for rent at $15 per person, and trekking sticks can be rented for $20 per person.

For those wanting to explore further, optional add-ons include entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an additional $60 per person, as well as a visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

These rentals and add-ons allow trekkers to customize their Salkantay experience to their preferences.

Exclusions and Recommendations

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu package typically doesn’t include tips for the guide, cook, and staff, as these are at the discretion of the trekkers.

Plus, the shuttle bus service between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu isn’t included in the package. Trekkers should also be aware that national/international flights and travel insurance aren’t part of the package. Other activities not mentioned in the itinerary are also extra.

Some key recommendations:

• Pack warm layers for the cool evenings
• Bring proper hiking boots for the challenging terrain
• Stay hydrated and pack enough water
• Consider renting trekking poles for added stability

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Number of People Required for the Trek?

The minimum number of people required for the trek is not specified. The trek can be booked for solo travelers, and there’s a reserve now & pay later option to keep travel plans flexible.

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear or Are Rentals Mandatory?

You can bring your own hiking gear for the trek. While rentals are available, it’s not mandatory to use them. The tour operator provides duffel bags for personal items up to 5 kg per person.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements I Need to Inform the Organizers?

The organizers should be informed of any special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies. They’ll accommodate these needs and provide appropriate meals during the trek. It’s best to notify them in advance.

Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu After the Trek?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu after the trek. The trek organizers can help you book additional nights in Aguas Calientes or arrange for extra time at Machu Picchu. This allows you more flexibility.

What Is the Weather Like During the Different Seasons for the Salkantay Trek?

The weather during the Salkantay Trek varies by season. Dry season (May-September) offers clear skies but colder temperatures, while wet season (October-April) brings more rain but milder temps. Consulting weather forecasts can help trekkers prepare for the conditions they’ll encounter.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers an exhilarating 3-day adventure, showcasing Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. Hikers can expect comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and guided tours, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. With flexible options for additional activities, this trek provides an immersive experience for those seeking to explore the breathtaking beauty of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: